Fiona the Hippo in Pool Cincinnati Zoo

The tilapia in Fiona's pool are not there for the hippos to eat. The fish serve multiple purposes, they help to keep the water clean by eating the hippo dung and they also eat the dead skin off of the hippos which keep them clean and free of micro-organisms.

Fiona is up to 73 pounds and is getting a little too heavy for her care staff lift in and out of the pool. So, she's learning to use a ramp. When she first saw the ramp, she needed some coaxing to step on it. After a few days, she went up and down with little assistance

Premature Baby Hippo Fiona Underwater Pool Time

Premature Baby Hippo Fiona Gets a Bigger Pool

Premature Baby Hippo Fiona Adult Pool GoPro

Fiona has reached an important milestone. She has been introduced to the indoor pools that her mom and dad use. They were drained to a manageable depth for her and will become deeper as she masters propelling herself to the surface for air. One of many things she must master before venturing into the outdoor hippo habitat is being able to navigate in deeper water.